Nr Winchester, 17th May 2026
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do. The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.
Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Number of results: 174
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Music
Old Portsmouth
Join Sam Garrett for a rare and intimate evening of live music inside the beautiful surroundings of Portsmouth Cathedral.
Sam Garrett is an English singer-songwriter whose music reflects his journey through Eastern philosophy, meditation, yoga and…
Special Events
New Forest
The iconic International Autojumble will return on Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September 2026.
Thousands of motoring enthusiasts will join us for the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic. This long-awaited weekend of…
Carnival
Sandown
Sandown Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the fun and spectacle of Sandown's Illuminated Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Childrens Events
Whiteley, Fareham
Pizza and Milkshake Workshop
Saturday 21st February 11am to 12.30pm
Saturday 28th March 11am to 12:30pm
Saturday 4th April 11am to 12.30pm
Saturday 30th May 11am to 12:30pm
Come down to Parson's Collar and create your own pizza, add toppings of…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Explore the science of sound by investigating how different instruments create vibrations and how those vibrations travel through air, water and solid materials, just like they do at sea.
Families will experiment with a range of instruments to see,…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative drop-in caulking workshop! Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships.
What to Expect:
- Discover how tar-soaked rope fibres are used for caulking…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Land Rover on Sunday 5 July 2026.
All Land Rover owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Join us for Conservation in Action! Ever wondered how priceless objects survive centuries to be displayed in a museum? Conservation in Action invites visitors to see history being preserved live. In this interactive pop-up lab, families can watch…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
Join us as BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair returns to the stunning grounds of Beaulieu, 1-3 May 2026.
Kick off your gardening year in style by joining us for this much-loved show, filled with an abundance of gardening expertise, inspiration and…
Childrens Events
Farnham
If you're truly dino-mad! … join us for interactive Dinosaur Shows running for nine days throughout May half-term
How to Train your Dinosaur!
Come and learn the art of dinosaur training with the help of the mischievous cheeky T.Rex called Baxter who…
Exhibitions
New Forest
Some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise cruise into the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu from 25th October 2025 to 12th April 2026!
Some very special guests are making a pit stop at the National Motor Museum…
Childrens Events
Basingstoke
Our Spring Scavenger Hunt is back for 2026! We invite you and your little ones to adventure into the Oakley Hall gardens & woodlands to try and tick everything off your nature scavenger list and find all our hidden Easter eggs. When each child…
Water Based Activities
Beaulieu
Treat your Papa to a relaxing paddle on the stunning Beaulieu River this Father's Day with New Forest Activities. Enjoy paddling together through the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve as a family, ending at the Master Builder's pub on the riverside…
Carnival
Ventnor
Ventnor Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in with the carnival fun of Ventnor's Illuminated procession!
Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.
Festivals
Sandown
A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!
Exhibition
Winchester
This free exhibition in Winchester College's Treasury museum draws on the College’s collection of Old Master prints and has been curated by a group of pupils in their final year at Winchester. It includes prints of many different types, by artists…
Special Events
New Forest
The Spring Autojumble is back on 16 – 17 May 2026. Perfect for hunting down that hard-to-find part, discovering unique vintage clothing and collectibles, or just enjoying a great motoring-inspired day out!
Join the automotive treasure hunt as the…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Iona, Sky Princess and Ventura depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!
As part of your…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21 December
Food available from 4:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a special evening to get you in the Christmas spirit! Sing along with Christmas carols, both…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday May 30, June 20, July 11, July 25, August 8 and August 22
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
The Hawk Conservancy Trust invites you to a special summer's evening with their feathered friends. Against a setting sun, you'll…
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